June 27, 2019
Independence Day is just a few days away and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical wants to remind the public that Lawrence is a fireworks-free city. Only novelty items are permitted in the City of Lawrence. For more information, click here: Fireworks Safety.
Since 2002, Lawrence has limited the use of fireworks in the city and prohibited the sale, possession and handling of fireworks. Some novelty items are exempted from the city’s ordinance which includes party poppers, snappers, snakes/glow worms, sparklers, toy caps and toy smoke devices. The ordinance is intended to promote health and safety of our residents. The fireworks can be dangerous to those handling the devices, and the loud noises and smoke can affect our residents in a negative way.
As necessary, local law enforcement can confiscate fireworks not permitted in Lawrence. Find specific information about allowable novelty items at https://lawrenceks.org/fireworks.
The Lawrence 4th of July Fireworks Celebration 2019, sponsored by the Granada Theater, will be held on Thursday, July 4 at Burcham Park. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Be a good neighbor
Be courteous! If a veteran lives in the neighborhood, be a good neighbor and think about the implications fireworks can have on their celebration and daily routine. An estimated 7% to 20% of the more than 2.5 million veterans and troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are believed to have developed PTSD. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, loud blasts and flashing lights can sometimes induce panic attacks. PTSD is characterized by emotionally re-experiencing traumatic events. The thoughts are triggered for combat veterans by the sound of an explosion or gunfire, or even certain sights and smells, according to the Institute of Medicine.
Pets can also be bothered by the loud noises. Make sure animals are secure inside if they tend to react to loud noises.
People in our community can also be affected by the smoke created by fireworks if they have respiratory and breathing difficulties. Celebrate safely and be courteous.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July!
Contact: Porter Arneill, Director of Communications and Creative Resources – parneill@lawrenceks.org | 785-764-3270